THE SCHOOL BELL
Williston Schools / April 15, 2022
REMINDER: NO SCHOOL APRIL 18 - 22 - SPRING BREAK
A Message from the Williston Schools Leadership Team
By Gregory Marino, Lead Principal
When “Frozen” Means Spring
Wow - it really is the Friday before April break. As the buds emerge outside and the grass turns a shade greener with each passing day there are so many signs of spring and growth in the young humans that make up our learning community.
This week has been filled with these signs of blooming in our students. These celebrations of growth take so many different forms and it’s indeed a privilege to be witness to them as an educator and a parent. Some are very subtle, like the slight change in posture and personality a student presents as they walk down the hall with their head held up just a little higher, making eye contact and saying hello - in a way that just would not have happened two or three short months ago. Some are more tangible, like a student who for the first time has the confidence as a learner to present their work in front of the class, or try out for an athletic team for the very first time, even though they are an 8th grader.
One incredibly inspiring example of this human springtime of personal and collaborative growth was the WCS drama club’s musical production, Frozen, A Retelling, that was presented to grateful audiences yesterday. I realize the title and subject matter of this particular production offer an ironic contradiction to the springtime analogy - but the contradiction ends there. What we witnessed yesterday and last night was such a great example of what happens when students have the opportunity to explore different avenues of expression, tap into gifts and talents, and work together as part of a team to create something more exceptional than they could ever create on their own. It was so impressive to see what this cast and crew were able to do in just six short weeks of preparation, under the enthusiastic guidance and coaching of their production team. Congratulations go out to the cast and crew, as well as the production team: Carah Pioli Hunt, Kyla Paul, Helen Weston, Abby Granoff, Laura Gigliotti, and Steve Smith. Thanks also go out to the 2020 Drama Club, under the direction of Sean Moran, who prepared the Frozen production almost to its completion, only to have the performances canceled due to Covid. Many of the costumes and set pieces were utilized for this year’s production. Parent volunteer, Scott Masson, is responsible for designing and building nearly all of the incredible set pieces back in 2019-20. Of course, thanks and congratulations also go out to the many parent volunteers who were able to help with this year’s production, as well as to the parents who cheered their students on from home! This production was a great example of the spirit of the Williston Community coming alive! Enjoy the images below.
IMPORTANT: Bus Changes after break - Please Read
* Bus I will be consolidated to buses A, H & K through the end of this year. We will make sure students get on the right bus at the end of the day.
Bus J will be a shortened route in the afternoon with some stops being moved to other buses - and will have 2 new drivers - Julie in the morning and Jon afterschool. Students taking Bus J in the morning - Please be outside and visible about 10 minutes early to ensure you don't get missed while drivers learn their new routes.
Bus A - (PM Only) Butternut, Sunset and Oak Hill 10-15 minutes later. So. Brownell from Walker Hill to 116 added from Bus I
Bus B - (PM Only) Pinecrest Village and Route 2 from Pinecrest to Tower Lane
Bus H - (PM Only) Little Things Daycare added
Bus J - Route remains the same in the morning with updated times. Afternoon changes for Pinecrest Village, Route 2 from Pinecrest to Tower Lane, and North Williston Road from Gov. Chittenden to Fay Lane.
Bus K - (PM Only) Industrial Ave/Green Mountain Gymnastics added from Bus I. Remainder of route about 5 minutes later.
Bus L - (PM Only) No. Williston from Governor Chittenden to Fay Lane added. Mountain View to Katie Lane will be 10-15 minutes later.
CLICK HERE to see times and details for the afternoon (PM) changes
CLICK HERE for BUS J morning times and details
If you have questions email wsdtransportation@cvsdvt.org
COVID Testing Update
The following was shared by VT’s Secretary of Education, Dan French.
“As of April 4, 2022, and as public health conditions in Vermont relative to COVID-19 continue to improve, the Staff Assurance Testing and Test at Home programs will be discontinued in Vermont schools. With the conclusion of these testing programs, staff and student households may be reminded that they can make an appointment at a State of Vermont testing site to obtain up to eight rapid antigen tests or one LAMP test per appointment for their use at home.
Per the Vermont Department of Health, school nurses should continue to conduct diagnostic testing in school using LAMP or antigen tests. Schools can also make take-home antigen tests available to students, staff and their households on an as-needed basis or at the clinical discretion of the school nurse.”
CVSD has a good supply of antigen tests in our schools. Please reach out to your school’s nurse to request them.
Wondering what to do if your child is ill? This document may answer some of your questions.
** Poppy Playtime featuring Huggy Wuggy **
All families have different expectations around video games, movies, shows and even holidays that they expose their children to. Often these trickle into school, and for the most part, they help students start conversations and connect with others.
There are times when children are talking about characters that may scare or make others feel uncomfortable. We are asking that if your children play the game Poppy Playtime, or know of
this game/character, that you talk with them and ask them NOT to talk about it at school.
If you are unsure what this is, here is a link.
Thank you for your help and cooperation
Spare Clothing for Mud Season
Williston Community Food Shelf open during school break
The Williston Community Food Shelf will be open and serving families and individuals during the school break! We are located at 400 Cornerstone Drive, suite 130 in Williston. Our hours are Tuesdays 5-6:30pm, Thursdays 9-11:00am and Saturdays 9-11:00am. In addition to the regular items that are available, we are also giving out vacation bags of food (Mac n cheese, cereal, granola bars, peanut butter, jelly, bread and more) to families with school age children. Please feel free to call us with any questions at (802) 578-0586, email us at info@willistonfoodshelf.com or visit our website at willistonfoodshelf.com. Have a happy, healthy and safe Spring break!!
A Reminder from Dorothy Alling Memorial Library
Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Visit at Williston Central School
- Do you know what a Wonder Book is?
- Did you know you can check out a telescope at the DAML?
WCS 3rd & 4th graders learned the answers to these and so much more during their weekly WCS library time, when we had a special visit from Bonnie Lord. She is the new Youth Services Librarian at DAML.
Besides learning about all the fun things going on at the DAML (like the reptile show April 30!), each student received a library card sign up form. It is also available online here. Completed forms can be returned to school or dropped off at the DAML.
Students really enjoyed Bonnie's visit and had lots of questions. Many students wanted to know how much it costs to borrow items from the DAML or attend events there. The answer is always: it's FREE!
Library Art Show - April 2022
23rd Annual Bill Mikell Easter Parade & Egg Hunt
The Williston-Richmond Rotary club will hold its 23rd annual Bill Mikell Easter Parade and Egg Hunt at the Williston Central School on Saturday, April 16 for children 12 years old and younger. The parade begins promptly at 9:00 am so please be in place. The event will take place regardless of the weather so children should be dressed appropriately.
Easter baskets with prizes will be awarded to children who find specially marked Easter eggs. Other prizes will be awarded to children wearing costumes or bonnets. Children are encouraged to bring their own Easter baskets and to recycle their eggs. Mark your calendar now so you don’t miss this fun event. For more information contact Andy Mikell @ 343.2704 or amikell@catic.com.
Upcoming Events & Reminders
Walk or Roll to School Day - Wednesday, May 4
The Williston Schools will be celebrating National Walk, Bike, Roll to School Day
Stay tuned for more information about how to participate
Get those sneakers and / or wheels ready!
WCS Garden For Life - Family Clean-Up Days
As our garden expands we are in need of a few additional hands. We have a significant tree trimming project that we need help with cutting and stacking downed limbs and trunks and some new areas to dig out that includes removing large roots and items that have been buried. There are also some large boulders in the woods that we would like to drag out and position as seating.
Dates are Apr 30, 2022 and May 14, 2022 and timing is flexible based on participant availability. Please direct all questions and/or RSVP to Lynn Brown at lbrown@cvsdvt.org
CVU Summer Camp
DAML Programs
Click here to access the DAML web site listing of events.
Recreation & Parks Offerings
Community Events
ABS Safe Drop Off & Pick Up
It is very important to stay in your vehicles during arrival and dismissal. We appreciate all you can do to ensure a safe and smooth transition in and out of school!
Please do not stop in the handicap parking spot or the crosswalk in front of the school - this creates safety and accessibility challenges when these areas are blocked.
Students being driven to ABS in the mornings can arrive between 7:30-7:55 for all 1st and 2nd grade students. 7:50-8:00 for all Kindergarten and PreK students. Walkers are welcome as early as 7:30. School begins at 8:00.
Please refer to this map for the correct location to drop off/pick up your student:
ABS Dismissal Update
*Please note: we did not shorten learning time for our students, we are just making the time students are waiting to leave and waiting outside less.
Family Resources
Resources to keep accessible:
Help Desk Portal for Technical Issues
INTRA-DISTRICT K-8 SCHOOL CHOICE
Children entering grades K-8 who live in the towns of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George and Williston may exercise school choice. Our goal is to both allow options for families and also make balanced class sizes to provide a positive learning environment for all of our children. Processes for intra-district choice of school will be guided by the needs of students, space availability, and existing resources. Given this, we will work to meet as many families’ needs as possible. Guidelines and Application
Internet Connectivity for Families
CVSD has been awarded a federal grant that provides assistance for Internet connectivity for families that qualify for the free and reduced-price meals program.
The Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) is designed to help students who currently lack Internet access that they may need to connect to classrooms. It is funded through June 2022.
If you have any questions about the program, please send a note to CVSDECFProgram@cvsdvt.org . If you have questions about your student’s eligibility for the Free and Reduced Meal program, email Stephanie Hurlburt at shurlburt@cvsdvt.org
Four Winds
Nature's News Newsletters
December - No Newsletter
Slides Presentations
Lesson 1: Leaf-Eaters
Lesson 2: Life in the Dirt
Lesson 3: Snags and Rotting Logs
Lesson 4: Squirrel Tales
Lesson 5: Staying Warm
Lesson 6: White-tailed Deer
Williston Four Winds Program
Contact Us: wsdfourwinds@cvsdvt.org
FAP Information
We are looking for volunteers in all areas, our council, house representatives, and event volunteers! Please fill out this form if interested in helping!
https://forms.gle/AvVx1EHUGWWAikWn9
Upcoming Events
Apr 18 - Apr 22 - Spring Break - NO SCHOOL
May 3 - Eid al-Fitr - NO SCHOOL
May 4 - Walk or Roll to School Day
May 11 - Four Winds Training, 8:30 - 10:30, Location TBD
May 19 - WCS Concert, Band & Chorus
May 26 - WCS Concert, Beginner Band
June 9 - 8th Grade Graduation, time TBD
June 10 - Last day of school, Grades K-7/ Half-Day
CVSD School Board
CVSD's COVID Recovery Plan
Learn more about CVSD's Strategic Response Plan and provide feedback at this link.
More Links, More information
Williston Schools
Email: wsschoolbell@cvsdvt.org
Website: https://www.cvsdvt.org
Location: 195 Central School Drive, Williston
Phone: (802) 878-2762
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Williston-School-District-1483758238612170/timeline/
Twitter: @wsdvt